Anti-Corruption Policy

Anti-Bribery Policy - AsiaBaseMetals Inc.

AsiaBaseMetals Inc. including its subsidiaries (collectively "AsiaBaseMetals" or the "Company") is committed to conducting its business in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations and the highest ethical standards. The Board of Directors (the "Board") of AsiaBaseMetals Inc. has determined that it should formalize its policy relating to anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws in the form of this "Anti-Bribery Policy" (the "Policy"). This Policy is designed to complement and expand on the Company's existing Code of Business Conduct which was approved on August 19, 2009 (the "Code of Business Conduct").

It is important that the Company respect all international and local anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, even where the perception is such that standards are loosely enforced by local authorities. Corrupt acts could expose the Company and its directors, officers and employees to the risk of prosecution, fines and imprisonment in Canada and in other countries where the Company does business. In addition, non-compliance threatens the Company's reputation, which plays a critical role in our success as a business.

2.0 Objective

The objective of this Policy is to set out the Company's expectations and requirements regarding compliance by the Company and its officers, directors, employees and Covered Third Parties (as defined below) with anti-bribery laws (as further set out in this Policy).

This Policy provides guidance and procedures to ensure that the Company conducts business in an honest and ethical manner when dealing with public officials and all other parties, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including those pertaining to bribery and corruption.

3.0 Application

This Policy applies to the worldwide conduct of all directors, officers and employees of the Company, wherever situated (collectively the "Employees"). This Policy also reflects the standard to which the Company expects Covered Third Parties, meaning all of the Company's partners, agents, consultants and other contractual counterparties, wherever situated, who interact with public officials on the Company's behalf, to adhere when acting on the Company's behalf. This Policy applies to Covered Third Parties. In addition to any other obligation, Covered Third Parties have all of the obligations set out in this Policy that apply to Employees.

4.0 Responsibility for this Policy

Employees and Covered Third Parties must report, in person or in writing, any known or suspected violations of laws, governmental regulations, the Code of Business Conduct or this Policy to the Chair of the Audit Committee. Any questions or violation reports will be addressed immediately and seriously, and can be made anonymously. If you feel uncomfortable reporting suspected violations to this individual, you may report matters to the Company's legal counsel, DuMoulin Black LLP. The addresses and telephone numbers of these reporting contacts are listed in Schedule "A" to this Policy.

5.0 Bribery and Corruption

What is bribery and corruption?

Corruption is the misuse of power by public officials or other parties for illegitimate private gain. Bribery is the offer, promise, or provision, directly or indirectly, of a loan, reward, advantage or benefit of any kind to a person in a position of power to influence that person's views or conduct or to obtain or retain an improper advantage. Bribery and corruption can take many forms, including the provision or acceptance of:

Cash payments;

Jobs or "consulting" relationships for the official or his/her family;

Commissions or kickbacks;

Excessive gifts, entertainment or hospitality;

Payment of non-business related or lavish travel expenses; or

Provision of personal favours to the official or his/her family.

Corruption and bribery are never acceptable business practices. Employees and Covered Third Parties are strictly prohibited from offering, paying, promising or authorizing any bribe to any public official directly or indirectly, or through a third party or family member.

Anti-Bribery Laws

There are laws throughout the world combating bribery and corruption, including laws that apply to the Company's international activities. These include: the Criminal Code of Canada, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, Canada's Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, S.C. 1998, c. 34 ("CFPOA"), and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, et seq. (the "FCPA") (including any related regulations, and any future amendments ore replacement to such legislation or regulations). Although it is a Canadian law, the CFPOA can apply to the Company's actions anywhere in the world. Additionally, the Company's international activities may also be subject to other international and local anti-bribery laws. It is important that the Company respect all international and local anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, even where the perception is that such standards are loosely enforced by local authorities.

Who are Public Officials?

In this Policy, the definition and scope of "Public Officials" is broad. Laws prohibiting bribery and corruption typically define public officials broadly to include any appointed, elected, or honorary official or any career employee of a government, of a government owned or controlled company, or of a public international organization. The definition encompasses officials in all branches and at all levels of government: federal, state or local. The definition also includes political parties and party officials and candidates for political office. A person does not cease to be a public official by purporting to act in a private capacity or by the fact that he or she serves without compensation. Below are just a few examples of public officials relevant to the Company's business:

Government ministers and their staff;

Members of legislative bodies;

Judges and ambassadors;

Officials or employees of government departments and agencies including finance, public works, public contracts, customs, immigration, environment, energy and other regulatory agencies;

Employees of state-owned or controlled companies;

Military and police personnel;

Political party officials and candidates for political office;

Mayors, councillors or other members of local government;

Employees of public international organizations such as the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank; and

Aboriginal band officials.

If you are not sure whether a particular person is a public official, please contact the Chair of the Audit Committee for further guidance.

Benefits to relatives of public officials, such as spouses, children, parents or siblings, may be treated by enforcement authorities as benefits to a public official and, accordingly, may constitute violations of anti-bribery laws. Accordingly, the Company treats relatives of public officials as public officials unless determined otherwise in advance by the Chair of the Audit Committee. Any gifts, entertainment or travel expenses involving a relative of a public official must comply with sections 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 of this Policy. You must also consult with the Chair of the Audit Committee before entering into any contract or transaction with a close relative of a public official or a company or entity owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a close relative of a public official.

6.0 Facilitation Payments

A "Facilitation Payment" is an occasional payment of minimal value made solely to expedite or secure the performance of a routine, non-discretionary government action such as the issuance of a permit, licence or other document to qualify a person to do business or the processing of official documents, such as visas and work permits. The use of Facilitation Payments is strictly prohibited.

7.0 Gifts for Public Officials

The provision of or the offer to provide gifts, benefits or anything of value to a public official, directly or indirectly, may be considered to be a bribe and, as a result, are prohibited.

8.0 Entertainment of Public Officials

The provision of entertainment for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or improperly influencing some matter in favour of the Company may be considered to be a bribe and may result in violation of anti-corruption laws. Accordingly, the Company prohibits providing, directly or indirectly, entertainment, meals or any other benefit of any kind to a public official unless authorized in accordance with this section.

In appropriate circumstances, reasonable meals, entertainment or other normal business hospitality may be provided to a public official, but only if:

it is directly connected to a legitimate business promotional activity or the performance of an existing contract;

it is consistent with normal social or business customs in the official's country and with the Company's business practices;

it is provided in a transparent and open manner;

the cost is reasonable in relation to the cost of living in the local jurisdiction;

it does not create a sense of obligation on the part of the recipient; and

it is pre-approved as set out below.

When considering the reasonableness of the expense, Employees should consider the frequency with which such expenses are incurred for a particular official. Modest costs frequently incurred can, when aggregated, amount to lavish and potentially improper payments.

The written pre-approval of the Chair of the Audit Committee must be obtained for any meal, entertainment or other normal business hospitality for a public official.

The provision of any meal, entertainment or other business hospitality for a public official must be accurately accounted for and described in the Company's books and records. It must be accounted for in a separate expense report which identifies the type of benefit provided, its value, the date it was provided, and the identity of the recipient.

9.0 Payment of Travel, Expenses and Per Diems for Public Officials

Sometimes, government departments do not have adequate resources to undertake required tasks in connection with the regulation or approval of specific activities. As a result, the Company may be asked to provide financial or other support for such activities. Such matters raise special considerations and you must obtain written pre-approval from the Chair of the Audit Committee before proposing to provide or agreeing to provide such support.

In appropriate circumstances, the Company may pay reasonable travel and expenses for public officials. The types of circumstances in which such expenses may be approved are when there is a legitimate business need for the Company to pay such expenses, for example:

in connection with contract negotiation or contract execution, or

to visit the Company's operations in order to test equipment or demonstrate specific capabilities or practices.

Such expenses may only be paid where permitted under local law and approved in advance by the Chair of the Audit Committee. The expenses must be reasonable in amount and directly related to the business purpose. The Company will not pay or reimburse travel or other expenses which are predominately for recreation or entertainment, or for a public official's spouse or other family members.

Per diems or cash allowances must not be paid to public officials.

10.0 Political and Charitable Contributions

Under no circumstances should political or charitable contributions be made in an attempt to influence any decision or obtain an advantage.

The Company's policy is that all contributions to political parties, politicians, or candidates for public office must be approved in advance by the Chair of the Audit Committee. Always seek approval of one of the above parties prior to provision of, or offering to provide, any of the Company's money, assets, property or other things of value to any political parties, politicians, or candidates for public office.

The Company recognizes the importance of contributing to the communities in which it operates, and may, from time to time, make charitable contributions with the prior written approval of the Chair of the Audit Committee. All charitable contributions by or on behalf of the Company must be accounted for with supporting documentation including a receipt or written acknowledgment of the donation from the recipient.

The Company, Employees and Covered Third Parties are prohibited from making or offering to make contributions on the Company's behalf to any charity owned or controlled by a public official or a family member of a public official.

11.0 Avoiding Bribery Of Non-Government Personnel

While much of the focus of this Policy is on avoiding bribery and corruption relating to public officials, bribery of non-government personnel (such as employees of private business and union officials) is also unethical and illegal. It is therefore the Company's policy to prohibit providing bribes to anyone, regardless of whether or not they are a public official. However, this Policy is not intended to discourage reasonable relationship building expenses for non-government personnel, so long as:

it is consistent with normal business customs in the host and recipient's country;

it is provided in a transparent and open manner;

the cost is reasonable;

it is for a legitimate business reason; and

it does not create a sense of obligation on the part of the recipient.

Gifts in the form of cash, stock or other negotiable instruments must never be given.

12.0 What To Do in the Event Of A Request For A Bribe

If a public official, consultant, agent or any other party requests a bribe, kickback or other thing of value (including gifts, entertainment, travel or other hospitality that would be in violation of this Policy), politely turn down the request and make a record of the request as soon as possible. The record should be marked "confidential" and promptly provided to the Chair of the Audit Committee so that they can advise regarding the appropriate next steps.

13.0 Exigent Circumstances

Nothing in this Policy prohibits the making of payments in cash or in kind to public officials when life, safety, or health is at risk. Employees and Covered Third Parties are permitted to make a payment to avoid subjecting himself or herself to a health or safety risk. The making of such a payment in exigent circumstances should be reported to the Chair of the Audit Committee as soon as possible after the payment is made. Such payments must be accurately recorded and identified in expense reports and other books and records.

14.0 Covered Third Parties

Due Diligence on Covered Third Parties

Prior to entering into a business relationship with a Covered Third Party, Employees shall report the potential engagement in writing to the Chair of the Audit Committee. No Covered Third Party may be engaged without the pre-approval of the Chair of the Audit Committee.

The Chair of the Audit Committee will direct due diligence on the Covered Third Party that addresses the qualifications of the Covered Third Party, the services the Covered Third Party will provide, the compensation the Company will provide, the basis for believing that compensation is reasonable and information, as appropriate, regarding the Covered Third Party's character, reputation and history of conducting business in an ethical and legal manner that is consistent with this Policy. The process and extent of due diligence to be performed depends on the circumstances and will be determined by the Chair of the Audit Committee. After completing due diligence as appropriate, a written summary of the due diligence findings should be recorded. At a minimum, documentation obtained through due diligence should be preserved.

In all cases, Employees shall also use best efforts to ensure that any Covered Third Party: (i) is not a public official or does not employ, subcontract with or have a material shareholder that is a public official; (ii) does not have a history or demonstrated tendency towards bribery or corruption; (iii) performs the required services in compliance with this Policy and applicable local laws; and (iv) is compensated at a level that is reasonable, given their experience, the country where their services are to be performed, the expected results and the amount and difficulty of the work to be performed.

Contracts with Covered Third Parties

All agreements with Covered Third Parties must be in writing, and must define the scope of the relationship and the compensation terms. Unless otherwise approved by the Chair of the Audit Committee, all agreements with Covered Third Parties shall include anti-corruption terms to the following effect:

The Covered Third Party shall comply with all applicable anti-corruption legislation and this Policy;

The Covered Third Party shall promptly notify the Company of any investigation by a public entity, or advance notice of an investigation relating to a possible violation of anti-corruption legislation or this Policy;

The Covered Third Party shall not engage in, directly or indirectly, any activity that would contravene anti-corruption legislation or this Policy, including (but not limited to) bribery of public officials or any person who owes a duty of good faith, impartiality or trust or other acts of corruption;

The Covered Third Party shall not give, or promise to give, anything of value or make, or promise to make, payments to public bodies or private sector employees, as a personal benefit to them, to secure or speed up the performance of a routine action (such as the issuing of permits) to which the payer is already entitled (facilitation payments); and not to, directly or indirectly, make, promise, authorize or offer anything of value to a public official, including but not limited to cash or equivalents, gifts, prizes or loans.

Neither the Covered Third Party or any of its employees, subcontractors or material shareholders are a public official;

The Covered Third Party is familiar with applicable anti-corruption laws, and has complied and will continue to comply with such laws;

The Covered Third Party will at all times abide by this Policy (or at the discretion of the Chair of the Audit Committee, the Covered Third Party's own anti-bribery policy);

In the conduct of its business, the Covered Third Party has not and will not, directly or indirectly, engage in bribery or corruption;

The Covered Third Party will perform the services required under the written agreement personally, and may not assign the right to perform to anyone else without prior written consent;

The Covered Third Party's invoices shall describe in reasonable detail all services and expenditures for which the Covered Third Party seeks reimbursement;

The Company has the right to audit the Covered Third Party's relevant books and records when a reasonable question has been raised as to whether there has been a violation of applicable anti-corruption laws; and

The Company may terminate its agreement with the Covered Third Party without any further obligation in the event that the Covered Third Party, its principals, or anyone acting on their behalf takes any action that violates applicable anti-corruption laws.

Managing Covered Third Parties

The Company shall take reasonable measures to maintain a record of the names and contract terms for all Covered Third Parties.

The Company shall always enforce remedies, including termination if appropriate, against Covered Third Parties that breach applicable anti-corruption laws or this Policy.

Any payment made to any Covered Third Party must not represent more than the amount specified in the written agreement with the Covered Third Party and must be appropriate remuneration for the legitimate services rendered.

Periodically, or at least when a contract with a Covered Third Party is being renewed or updated, the Chair of the Audit Committee should reassess whether any further due diligence should be performed on the Covered Third Party based on the current circumstances. Covered Third Party contracts must not be renewed without the approval of the Chair of the Audit Committee.

15.0 Internal Controls

Management of the Company shall develop, implement and maintain a system of accounting policies and internal controls to facilitate compliance with this Policy, as well as to foster a culture of integrity and maintain high ethical standards.

16.0 Books and Records

The Company shall maintain books and records that are full, fair and accurate and understandable to reflect all transactions, use and disposition of assets, and other similar information. All Employees and Covered Third Parties must ensure that:

all gifts, hospitality, and other expenses are properly reported and recorded;

any payment made on behalf of the Company is supported by appropriate documentation;

no payments to Covered Third Parties are made in cash, unless authorized by the Chair of the Audit Committee; and

no Employees shall create or help create any documents for the purpose of concealing any improper activity.

In reviewing and approving expenses, or in the review of any books and records, any question which may arise in connection with this Policy shall be brought to the attention of the Chair of the Audit Committee.

17.0 Communication of the Policy

The Company will provide a copy of the current version of this Policy and related policies to new Employees and Covered Third Parties when they are hired or contracted, as appropriate, and will provide copies of significant changes as necessary. This Policy will be made available by posting the Policy on the Company's website.

18.0 Training and Certification

The Company, under the direction of the Chair of the Audit Committee and if appropriate in the circumstances, will establish and conduct a suitable training program for appropriate new or existing Employees on the compliance goals and requirements of this Policy.

All Employees and any Covered Third Parties specified by the Chair of the Audit Committee shall provide periodic certification of compliance with this Policy in the form attached to this Policy as Schedule "B", as directed by the Chair of the Audit Committee.

The Chair of the Audit Committee will review this Policy and its effectiveness periodically, and will revise and update as necessary. The Chair of the Audit Committee will also periodically report to the board of directors on the Policy and its effectiveness.

19.0 Violations

The Company expects all Employees and Covered Third Parties to take steps to prevent any violation of this Policy. This includes identifying and raising potential issues before they lead to problems, and seeking additional guidance when necessary.

The Company will not allow any harassment, retaliation or any type of discrimination against a director, officer or employee who acts in good faith in reporting any violation.

The Chair of the Audit Committee will investigate any reported violations and will determine an appropriate response, including corrective action and preventative measures, involving others when required. All reports will be treated confidentially to every extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation. All complaints, results of investigations, if any, and reports will be retained for seven years.

Directors, officers and Employees that violate any laws, governmental regulations, the Code of Business Conduct, or this Policy will face appropriate, case-specific disciplinary action, which may include demotion or, in appropriate circumstances, or upon shareholder approval, if applicable, immediate discharge or removal. Covered Third Parties that violate any laws, government regulations, the Code of Business Conduct, or this Policy will face appropriate consequences in accordance with the terms of any agreement between the Company and the Covered Third Party and applicable law, which may include termination without compensation of any contract, damages (including, cumulatively, but not limited to, special, general, consequential, economic, and reputational damages), and any other recourse available at law or equity. In addition, violation of any laws, governmental regulations or this Policy could result in public disclosure of such violation including, without limitation, the names of parties involved.

Reference is made to the Anti-Bribery Policy adopted by the Board of Directors of AsiaBaseMetals Inc. (the "Company") on August 22, 2018 (the "Policy").

In accordance with the Policy, I, [print full name], hereby certify, represent and warrant to the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies as follows (check each applicable box):

I have reviewed the Policy within the last twelve months, and understand its terms and requirements.

I have not violated any of the terms or requirements of the Policy.

I am not aware of any violation or potential violation of the Policy by any Employee or Covered Third Party, as such terms are defined in the Policy.

I am not aware of any violation or potential violation of anti-bribery laws by any Employee or Covered Third Party, as such terms are defined in the Policy.

In the event you are unable to check the second, third, or fourth box, please provide details of any violation or potential violation of the Policy or anti-bribery laws that you are aware of:

[Append additional pages if necessary]

Dated this ________ day of , 20_______.

Per: ______________________________________________
(Print Name of Company / Corporation Here)

Signature ______________________________________________
(Signature of Individual acting for Company or Self Here)

Print Name _______________________________________
(Print Name of Individual Signing above)

APPENDIX B – ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

Gifts

A gift is anything that is given and received without the giver receiving or expecting to receive anything in return in the future or intending to create a sense of obligation on the part of the recipient.

AsiBaseMetals prohibits the giving of inducements, including gifts and entertainment, to public officials on a scale that might be perceived as creating an obligation on that official. Gifts, entertainment, and covering or reimbursing expenses of officials may also fall within the scope of anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws.

To comply with such laws and with Company policy, the cost or expense of a gift, meal or entertainment must be reasonable. It also must be directly connected to a legitimate business promotional activity or the performance of an existing contract, must be permitted under local law, and must be otherwise consistent with Company business practices. When considering the reasonableness of the expense, Company Personnel should consider the frequency with which such expenses are incurred for a particular official.

Modest costs frequently incurred can, when aggregated, amount of lavish and potentially improper payments. Even where gifts, meals, or entertainment may be consistent with normal social or business amenities in the official’s country, that does not mean that they are permitted under either the laws of that country or the laws of other countries combating the bribery of foreign public officials, including Canadian and US law. The cost of gifts, meals, and entertainment should always remain at or below that permitted by local law and in no event should the amount be greater than the legitimate and customary expenditure for such activities by private businesspersons in the country. In addition, standard approvals for gifts and entertainment, any expenses of this type incurred on behalf of a public official are subject to specific approval from the CEO) and/or CFO.

Travel and Related Entertainment

In appropriate circumstances, AsiaBaseMetals will pay travel and travel-related expenses for public officials. The types of circumstances in which such expenses may be approved are when there is legitimate business need for AsiBaseMetals to pay such expenses, for example:

in connection with contract negotiation or contract execution, or

to visit AsiaBaseMetals’s operations in order to demonstrate specific capabilities or practices.

Such expenses may only be paid where permitted under local law and approved in advance by either the CEO and /or the CFO. The expenses must be reasonable in amount and directly related to the business purpose. Wherever possible, AsiaBaseMetal Personnel should contract directly with vendors of services rather than making direct payment or reimbursement to an official. It will usually be advisable to make AsiaBaseMetals’s sponsorship of the travel transparent to the official’s supervisor, and in some circumstances the supervisor’s consent may be necessary. AsiaBaseMetals Personnel should never agree to pay or reimburse travel expenses which are predominately for recreation or entertainment or agree to pay travel expenses for an official’s spouse or other family members.

Per diems or cash allowances should not be paid to public officials except (i) as required or permitted by local law and (ii) in modest amounts, to defray legitimate expenses incurred by an official for an approved purpose where those expenses are not paid directly by AsiaBaseMetals to the vendor.

Charitable and Political Contributions

The CFPOA and other anti-corruption laws cover contributions, whether cash or in-kind, to political parties, party officials, and candidates for political office. Political or charitable contributions by companies such as AsiaBaseMetals also often raise issues under local laws where the Company has operations. As a general rule, AsiaBaseMetals does not make political or charitable contributions. If any contribution is made, it must be permissible under local law, must not be made with any promise or expectation or favorable treatment in return and must be accurately reflected in AsiaBaseMetals’s books and records. Consult with, and obtain the approval of the CEO and /or CFO prior to making any political or charitable contribution. This Policy does not restrict Personnel or Partners from making contributions of money or services in their individual capacity.

Transactions with Governments or State-Owned Entities

AsiaBaseMetals has opportunities that involve contracting with a government or state-owned entity. The CFPOA and other anti-corruption laws do not prohibit companies from entering into a contract with a government, including public works projects; however, payments made under those projects must comply with the anti-corruption laws and often trigger other special legal requirements. This includes transactions with entities that are state-owned or state-controlled, which can include general contractors, fuel suppliers, public universities, hospitals, telephone companies, or power companies. Payments or benefits to officials of those entities will likewise raise issues. For these reasons, AsiaBaseMetals Personnel or those of its subsidiaries must consult with the CEO and /or the CFO before entering into a contract with a government or a state-owned or state-controlled entity.

Subscribe to our Email List

Select Country

Canada

United States

Other

By providing your e-mail address, you are consenting to receive press releases, quarterly and annual reports, presentations and other information concerning AsiaBaseMetals Inc. and its affiliates and partners.